Discover the Best Hikes in Banff National Park

Hiking in Banff National Park offers an unforgettable adventure amidst turquoise lakes, glaciers, and breathtaking mountain vistas. With trails ranging from easy to challenging, there's a hike for every fitness level, promising rewarding views and experiences.

Trails are concentrated around Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. Less crowded hikes can be found further from Lake Louise, but weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations along the Parkway. Hikes near Lake Louise are forested, while those on the Parkway offer more open landscapes.

Before embarking on any hike, consider your fitness level, as all trails listed are popular and you're unlikely to be alone. Still, the natural beauty ensures a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

1. Parker Ridge

Parker Ridge is a relatively easy 5.4-kilometer hike with a 250-meter elevation gain. The trail leads to stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and surrounding peaks. Visit in late July to early August for a wildflower display.

2. Wilcox Pass

Wilcox Pass offers a more challenging 8-kilometer hike with a 390-meter elevation gain. The trail provides spectacular views of the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding icefields.

Guided tours in Banff

3. Lake Agnes Tea House and Big Beehive

The hike to Lake Agnes Tea House is a 7-kilometer round trip with a 400-meter elevation gain. Extend your hike to the Big Beehive for panoramic views of Lake Louise after a 3.4-kilometer round trip with an additional 135-meter elevation gain.

4. Plain of Six Glaciers

The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a 13.8-kilometer hike with a 464-meter elevation gain, leading to another historic tea house and impressive glacier views.

5. Bow Glacier Falls

Bow Glacier Falls is a 9.2-kilometer hike with a moderate 148-meter elevation gain, offering beautiful views and a close-up of the falls.

6. Sentinel Pass/Larch Valley

The hike to Larch Valley is 8.6 kilometers with a 535-meter elevation gain. Continuing to Sentinel Pass extends the hike to 11.6 kilometers with a 725-meter elevation gain, offering one of the park's finest views.

7. Healy Pass

Healy Pass is known for its wildflowers and panoramic views. The 18-kilometer hike is made easier with a gondola ride, leaving a gentle 360-meter elevation gain to the pass.

8. Johnston Canyon and The Inkpots

Johnston Canyon is a family-friendly hike leading to impressive waterfalls and the unique Inkpots, with minimal elevation gain over a 2.4-kilometer round trip to the lower falls.

9. Lake Annette/Paradise Valley

Lake Annette/Paradise Valley offers an 11.4-kilometer round trip with a 245-meter elevation gain, leading to a stunning lake and the option to extend to the Giant's Steps waterfalls.

10. Helen Lake

Helen Lake is a moderate 12-kilometer hike with a 455-meter elevation gain, featuring glacier lilies and views of Cirque Peak and Crowfoot Glacier.

11. Nearby: Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park

Just outside Banff, Yoho National Park's Iceline Trail is a challenging hike with a 710-meter elevation gain, offering views of glaciers and waterfalls. A 4WD car is recommended for access.

For more information on Banff National Park, visit Banff National Park.